$ 90,- raised for the Matthew Shepard Foundation

We are proud to announce that Pandora's Kharis members have come through for the Matthew Shepard Foundation! Together, they have raised $ 90,- to help support this very worthy cause. Thank you very much!

  

On October 7, 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally attacked, simply for being gay and tied to a fence in a field outside of Laramie, Wyo. and left to die. On October 12, Matt succumbed to his wounds in a hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. In the aftermath of Matt’s death, Judy and Dennis Shepard started the Matthew Shepard Foundation to honor his life and aspirations.

Their work is an extension of Matt’s passion to foster a more caring and just world. They share his story and embody his vigor for civil rights to change the hearts and minds of others to accept everyone as they are.

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community. Please pitch your cause before January 9th. On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving!

Matthew Shepard Foundation Poseideon 2016 cause

With only the barest of margins, the Matthew Shepard Foundation has become Pandora's Kharis' Poseideon 2016 cause. The Matthew Shepard Foundation’s longstanding mission is to erase hate by replacing it with understanding, compassion and acceptance. Through local, regional and national outreach, they empower individuals to find their voice to create change and challenge communities to identify and address hate that lives within their schools, neighborhoods and homes.

 

On October 7, 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally attacked, simply for being gay and tied to a fence in a field outside of Laramie, Wyo. and left to die. On October 12, Matt succumbed to his wounds in a hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. In the aftermath of Matt’s death, Judy and Dennis Shepard started the Matthew Shepard Foundation to honor his life and aspirations.

Their work is an extension of Matt’s passion to foster a more caring and just world. They share his story and embody his vigor for civil rights to change the hearts and minds of others to accept everyone as they are.

The deadline to donate is December 30th, 2016. You can do so by using the PayPal option to the side of the Pandora's Kharis website or by donating directly to baring.the.aegis@gmail.com. Thank you in advance!

Nominees Poseideon 2016

For Poseideon 2016, we have three great causes to choose from, submitted by our members. Two focus on Hellenismos and the preservation of the ancient monuments, the other focussess on LGBT rights and protection.


Matthew Shepard Foundation
On October 7, 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally attacked, simply for being gay and tied to a fence in a field outside of Laramie, Wyo. and left to die. On October 12, Matt succumbed to his wounds in a hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. In the aftermath of Matt’s death, Judy and Dennis Shepard started the Matthew Shepard Foundation to honor his life and aspirations.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation’s longstanding mission is to erase hate by replacing it with understanding, compassion and acceptance. Through local, regional and national outreach, they empower individuals to find their voice to create change and challenge communities to identify and address hate that lives within their schools, neighborhoods and homes.

Their work is an extension of Matt’s passion to foster a more caring and just world. They share his story and embody his vigor for civil rights to change the hearts and minds of others to accept everyone as they are.

United Hellenismos Association
The United Hellenismos Association is a Non-Profit Organization whose main purpose is to promote the spread and general knowledge of Hellenic Polytheism, as well as gain the ability to perform rites such as marriages and funerals. They are a start-up association, currently only existing on Facebook.

International Foundation for Greece
The International Foundation for Greece has been founded in London by George and Aspasia Leventis, with the aim of developing an international network of support for groups of people facing serious problems during this difficult period of the economic crisis that Greece is enduring.

The foundation is initially aiming to buy medical equipment, acquire ambulances and other high speed vehicles and to provide heating for schools and charitable organizations throughout Greece.
It is also developing a means for whoever wants to contribute, so that help can reach its target quickly and effectively.

 

Do you have a favourite out of these three? Vote for it in our poll until December 20th. We will announce this month's winner on December 21, 2016.  

$ 80,- raised for Act4greece's restoration of the ancient theatre of Cassope

We are proud to announce that Pandora's Kharis members have come through for the restauration of the ancient theatre of Cassope! Together, they have raised $ 80,- to help support this very worthy cause.

 

The Grand Theatre of Cassope is located in the ruined hill northwest of cassope. It was constructed in the 3rd century BC and had a capacity of about 2,500 people. According to some authors it could accommodate 6,000 people. It was the largest of a total of two theaters that existed in the city. The other, called the Conservatory of distinction, could seat 300 to 500 people. The large theater is now largely destroyed due to natural decay and is nearly inaccessible. This is about to change, though.

The act4Greece program is run by National Bank of Greece, with strategic partners including the Alexander S. Onassis Foundation, the John S. Latsis Foundation, the Bodossaki Foundation, the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, and the Hellenic Network for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Diazoma, a citizens’ group that works to protect and promote Greece’s ancient monuments, recently came up with a proposal to include the Cassope theatre in the act4greece program – an idea that received the green light from National Bank. The target is set at 80,000 euros, and it must be reached by December 31. They are currently not even half way there, but we have hope!

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community. Please pitch your cause before December 10th. On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving!

Act4greece's restoration of the ancient theatre of Cassope Maimakterion 2016 cause

This month's Pandora's Kharis cause is the crowdfunded restauration of the ancient theatre of Cassope, in the region of Epirus. It the latest cultural project to be crowdfunded under National Bank’s act4greece program. The target is set at 80,000 euros, and it must be reached by December 31.

The Grand Theatre of Cassope is located in the ruined hill northwest of cassope. It was constructed in the 3rd century BC and had a capacity of about 2,500 people. According to some authors it could accommodate 6,000 people. It was the largest of a total of two theaters that existed in the city. The other, called the Conservatory of distinction, could seat 300 to 500 people. The large theater is now largely destroyed due to natural decay and is nearly inaccessible. This is about to change, though.

The act4Greece program is run by National Bank of Greece, with strategic partners including the Alexander S. Onassis Foundation, the John S. Latsis Foundation, the Bodossaki Foundation, the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, and the Hellenic Network for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Diazoma, a citizens’ group that works to protect and promote Greece’s ancient monuments, recently came up with a proposal to include the Cassope theatre in the act4greece program – an idea that received the green light from National Bank.

The Cassope campaign was officially launched on September 17 at the Little Theatre of Epidaurus, in the Peloponnese, where Diazoma was hosting its ninth annual conference. Participants discussed a wide range of ideas regarding how scientific and funding initiatives can put monuments into the service of regional growth.

The ruins of the ancient city of Cassope, which flourished in the 3rd century BC, are located in a privileged position in the Preveza region, at the southern foot of Mount Zalongo, with a spectacular view of the Ionian Sea and the Ambracian Gulf.

Cassope, Nicopolis, Ambracia, Dodoni and Gitanae are the main highlights on a cultural itinerary for Epirus designed by Diazoma. Funded by the Epirus Regional Authority, the cultural itinerary is part of an effort to improve the tourism product of the region and includes booklets, an e-tour of the itinerary with a relevant app, information signs, minor accessibility interventions and much more.

The first project to be subsidized by the act4greece program was the Theatro Technis Karolos Koun. A total of 108,176 euros was raised.

The deadline to donate is November 30th, 2016. You can do so by using the PayPal option to the side or by donating directly to baring.the.aegis@gmail.com. Thank you in advance!

$ 65,- raised for the American Friends of the Blind in Greece

We are proud to announce that Pandora's Kharis members have come through for the American Friends of the Blind in Greece! Together, they have raised $ 65,- to help support this very worthy cause.

For over sixty-five years, the American Friends of the Blind in Greece has focused their attention on providing education and services for the blind and visually impaired in Greece. The American Friends of the Blind is committed to connecting people with the resources and knowledge they need to live an active and independent life.

Additionally, The American Friends of the Blind works closely with their sister organization The Lighthouse for the Blind, located in Greece. The Lighthouse for the Blind provides a variety of programs and services to the blind and the visually impaired with the shared goal to give each individual the training and support they need to live an independent and fulfilling life.

They would not be able to provide these critical services without your support. Your donation makes an important difference. Thank you again for your generosity.

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community. Please pitch your cause before November 10th. On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving!

American Friends of the Blind in Greece Pyanepsia 2016 cause

We are very happy to announce that the American Friends of the Blind in Greece has become Pandora's Kharis' Pyanepsia 2016 cause!

[A blind woman visiting the Tactile Museum,
supported by American Friends of the Blind in Greece]

 

The American Friends of the Blind in Greece identifies, acquires, and delivers the best possible resources and opportunities available to organizations in Greece, dedicated to improving the lives of Greece’s blind and severely sight- impaired people.

Starting small, The American Friends of the Blind in Greece first brought visually impaired children to the United States to study agricultural methods so they would have essential, in-demand skills upon their return to Greece to facilitate the ability to earn a living on their own. Eventually the organization established a small school for the blind outside of Athens. Over the years, our contributions in conjunction with other charitable donations led to the creation of The Lighthouse for the Blind In Greece. For almost 70 years, the American Friends of the Blind in Greece has contributed to the blind in Greece to improve their quality of life.

Recently, the situation for the blind in Greece has become increasingly dire. Government funding has been cut dramatically; grants have decreased by 90 percent and the Lighthouse for the Blind in Greece is continually presented with adults who need our assistance with education, training, life skills and the ability to support themselves.
We urge you to help those who need help the most, and join theAmerican Friends of the Blind in Greece in their efforts to provide support for the blind in Greece.

The deadline to donate is Oktober 31th, 2016. You can do so by using the PayPal option to the side or by donating directly to baring.the.aegis@gmail.com. Thank you in advance!

$ 135,- raised for Sea-Watch

In a massive coming together of Pandora's Kharis members, we have raised $ 135,- (€ 122,-) for our democratically decided upon cause, Sea-Watch. As always, you have all given generously, and in the spirit of the Gods!

Since the year 2000 more than 23.000 people have died trying to reach Europe’s shores. Three business partners from Germany decided to found the non-profit NGO Sea-Watch e.V. in an effort to bring down those numbers. Since November 2015 Sea-Watch is working between Lesbos and the Turkish mainland to prevent further deaths in this part of the Mediterranean Sea, recording the highest number of drowned refugees in 2015.

The ship MS Sea-Watch was bought and refitted with a crew of volunteers, working day and night to make the vessel suitable for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. Due to scarce financial resources Sea-Watch had to improvise in terms of technical solutions. The success of the project was based mostly on hard work and the collaborative effort of a highly professional and motivated team. This was and remains Sea-Watch’s biggest asset. At the end of the launch season of the project, Sea-Watch can look back on a summer where it has been able to save the lives of more than 2.000 people found in distress at sea throughout seven missions.

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community. Please pitch your cause before July 15th. On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!

Sea-Watch Pandora's Kharis cause for Skirophorion

Since the year 2000 more than 23.000 people have died trying to reach Europe’s shores. Three business partners from Germany decided to found the non-profit NGO Sea-Watch e.V. in an effort to bring down those numbers. Since November 2015 Sea-Watch is working between Lesbos and the Turkish mainland to prevent further deaths in this part of the Mediterranean Sea, recording the highest number of drowned refugees in 2015. Pandora's Kharis members and any passing kind stranger can help them achieve this goal this month, because Sea-Watch has become Pandora's Kharis' cause for Skirophoria 2016.

The ship MS Sea-Watch was bought and refitted with a crew of volunteers, working day and night to make the vessel suitable for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. Due to scarce financial resources Sea-Watch had to improvise in terms of technical solutions. The success of the project was based mostly on hard work and the collaborative effort of a highly professional and motivated team. This was and remains Sea-Watch’s biggest asset. At the end of the launch season of the project, Sea-Watch can look back on a summer where it has been able to save the lives of more than 2.000 people found in distress at sea throughout seven missions.

In the winter months Sea-Watch started its mission between Lesbos, Greece, and the Turkish mainland, again facing a situation totally thrown out of joint. They are currently analyzing the difficult operational conditions to develop standard procedures for their missions. Additionally, theyare trying to establish an efficient network consisting of the many different initiatives, volunteers and official authorities.

You can help Sea-Watch become an even more valuable asset on the Aegean sea. The deadline to donate is July 8, 2016. You can do so by using the PayPal option to the side or by donating directly to baring.the.aegis@gmail.com. Thank you in advance!

$110,- raised for Giving for Greece

Elaion is proud to announce that Pandora's Kharis members have raised $110,- for our democratically decided upon cause, Giving for Greece, set up in 2016 by the Bodossaki Foundation, one of the oldest charitable foundations set up in Greece. As always, you have all given generously, and in the spirit of the Gods!

The Giving Centre is a welcoming environment for anyone who shares the vision of giving for a better Greece. Their mission is to inspire, empower and enable people, stakeholders and business entities to contribute to Greece’s well-being. You have helped them make this mission possible. Thank you!

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community. Please pitch your cause before May 17th. On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!

Giving for Greece Pandora's Kharis cause for Mounukhion

Greece means something different to everyone. Whether you are near or further afield, your help and your ideas can transform the lives of people in a city, a village, a neighborhood or an island close to your heart. This is the vision of 'Giving for Greece', set up in 2016 by the Bodossaki Foundation, one of the oldest charitable foundations set up in Greece. Giving for Greece is also Pandora's Kharis' cause for Mounukhion.

Across the country, social needs are widespread and pressing. An unbalanced spread of help and resources is witnessed across almost all fields – from social welfare to education, health and the environment. Volunteers in NGOs, social workers, doctors, teachers and other people on the frontline are, in fact, struggling to do their utmost with limited resources.

A dedicated team of experienced professionals is in Greece to assist potential donors – whether individuals, organizations or business entities who have the ability and the will to help but do know how – and turn their vision, aspirations and ambitions and turn them into real projects, (donor-advised funds), in response to real social needs.

In parallel, ‘Giving for Greece’ proposes clearly defined and targeted thematic programmes linked to urgent and immediate needs on the field (thematic funds). OTheir first thematic programme is the Unaccompanied Refugee Children Fund.

The deadline to donate is May 7, 2016. You can do so by using the PayPal option to the side or by donating directly to baring.the.aegis@gmail.com. Thank you in advance!

$ 90,- raised for Dominick Lawniczak Evans and Ashley Guillory

Elaion is proud to announce that Pandora's Kharis members have raised $ 90,- for our two causes, Dominick Lawniczak Evans and Ashley Guillory.As always, you have all given generously, and in the spirit of the Gods! Thank you! Both causes will recieve $ 45,-

Dominick Lawniczak Evans
Dominick's full story can be found here, but in short, Dominick has two huge problems that are creating impenetrable barriers to his independence. First, his hoyer lift (the lift that gets him from the bed to his wheelchair) is old and unsafe. The second problem is his wheelchair. A highly documented mess from day one, Dominick's wheelchair is about three years old and has been fixed well over 20 times and has had the base replaced at least once. Dominick is fighting with his insurance company to get a new wheelchair, but it's a slow going process and until he gets one, he spends most of his time in bed. Now with the addition of the lift problems, he spends all of his time in bed.

Ashley Guillory
Ashley Guillory is 33 years old, married, and has a daughter and step-son. Ten years ago, she had a brain tumor removed and with a recent trip to Houston Ashley and her family found out she will need another brain surgery to remove a cyst in the middle of her brain. The neurologist found an area of concern in her cerebellum. Now, brain surgery is invasive and very expensive. The family is looking for help to cover these excessive costs and you can help with any and all amounts. Every little bit will help.


From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community. On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!

Dominick Lawniczak Evans and Ashley Guillory Pandora's Kharis causes for Anthesterion

Usually, we pick non-profit causes. Companies created to do good across the globe. And sometimes, we need to make an exception because we know the people involved or because the stories of a single individual can be so heartbreaking that we simply can't turn them away. This month, Pandora's Kharis' fundsraiser is one of the latter. This month we will raise funds for two causes, two people: Dominick Lawniczak Evans and Ashley Guillory.

Dominick Lawniczak Evans
Dominick's full story can be found here, but in short, Dominick has two huge problems that are creating impenetrable barriers to his independence. First, his hoyer lift (the lift that gets him from the bed to his wheelchair) is old and unsafe. This standard lift slides under his bed, lifts him, and puts him down in his chair. It also has a large bar near his feet and his feet often get stuck, causing him to bend and sometimes fracture his toes. The idea of this happening causes him such anxiety that Dominick hesitates getting out of bed, even when it's a necessity.

The second problem is his wheelchair. A highly documented mess from day one, Dominick's wheelchair is about three years old and has been fixed well over 20 times and has had the base replaced at least once. He's had the Attorney General of the state where he got the wheelchair involved, and while efforts have been made to help him, the company that provided the wheelchair is absolutely unwilling to rectify the problem. Dominick is fighting with his insurance company to get a new wheelchair, but it's a slow going process and until he gets one, he spends most of his time in bed. Now with the addition of the lift problems, he spends all of his time in bed.

From bed, Dominick does more work than you can imagine. He works as a freelance writer and runs his blog where he discusses life as a minority, and he sheds light on issues pertainent to the LGBT, disability, and film communities. He is an activist for the LGBT, disabled, and other minority communities, working on various political committies to improve the lives of people and to foster independence even when he's unable to enjoy his own.

Dominick need two things to get out of bed and becomes independent: a new lift and a new wheelchair. The lift he needs costs over $7000,-. The wheelchair that Dominick needs costs over $25000.00 when you add in the additional options he needs like recline and tilt, which allow him to comfortably adjust his position and to take pressure off various parts of his body. If Dominick makes more than the cost of the lift, any additional funds received will go towards paying for the wheelchair or the special features that he needs that insurance will definitely not pay for!

Anything you can do to help Dominick is appreciated whether it's $1 or $100. Anything you can give will lead him closer to his goal to becoming a more productive, healthier member of society.

Dominick has so much to give, but the reality is that it's tough to make a difference in the world from bed. Thank you for considering helping him. Just the thought means more than you know.

Ashley Guillory
Ashley Guillory is 33 years old, married, and has a daughter and step-son. Ten years ago, she had a brain tumor removed and with a recent trip to Houston Ashley and her family found out she will need another brain surgery to remove a cyst in the middle of her brain. The neurologist found an area of concern in her cerebellum. Now, brain surgery is invasive and very expensive. The family is looking for help to cover these excessive costs and you can help with any and all amounts. Every little bit will help.


We are not asking you to choose between these two very deserving people, we are asking you to donate. Half of your donation will go to Dominick and half to Ashley, hoping to bring both a touch closer to their goal. So band together in the spirit of the Gods and donate, please. Both people truly need your help. The deadline to donate is March 8, 2016. You can do so by using the PayPal option to the side or by donating directly to baring.the.aegis@gmail.com. Thank you in advance!

$60,- raised for The Donkey Sanctuary

Elaion is proud to announce that Pandora's Kharis members have raised $60,- for our democratically decided upon cause the The Donkey Sanctuary. As always, you have all given generously, and in the spirit of the Gods!

The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE and supports projects in 27 countries worldwide. It reaches out to those in greatest need through the provision of permanent refuge and veterinary services to alleviate their suffering. Over 50 million donkeys and mules exist in the world. Many need care and protection from a life of suffering and neglect, whilst others have a vital role to play in human survival and happiness; they are at the heart of everything they do at The Donkey Sanctuary.

This means The Donkey Sanctuary can provide food, shelter and love for a single donkey for ten days at the sanctuary in Sidmouth. Or that it can keep their rescue vehicles on the road for 12 hours – saving donkeys from terrible conditions. Or that they can hire a farrier to trim long and painful hooves and treat uncomfortable foot conditions for three donkeys, or two visits from the equine dentist to rasp teeth and remove any uncomfortable sharp edges. Or, if they so decide, our donation will stock their medical supplies for one day to treat sick and injured donkeys overseas.

From this moment on, the Pandora's Kharis Facebook page is open to pitches. If you do not have Facebook, feel free to pitch your cause in the comments. We will relay the message to the community. On to another month of pitching, voting, and giving. Thank you for your generosity!